Cellular Filter for Viable Cell Capture and Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cell capture systems in cellular analysis are limited by their inability to perform multiple analyses on the same cell, fail to allow arbitrary cell subpopulation sorting, and often result in cell damage during capture, lacking the capability for specific cell identification and retrieval, especially for non-expressing cells and phenotypic transitions.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a fluid delivery module, manifold, waste chamber, and pump, which includes a magnet for separation and a heater for temperature control, enabling individual cell capture and analysis without antibody-coated chambers or biomagnetic tagging, facilitating real-time tracking and viable cell retrieval, and allowing for selective downstream molecular testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional microfluidic devices use cell-specific antibodies for cell selection, then cells expressing the desired antigen are captured, but cell damage occurs during subsequent cell removal and non-expressing cells cannot be captured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces antibody-based biological recognition with a mechanical size-based filtration system. The cellular filter uses physical size differences to separate target cells from non-target cells, eliminating the need for antibody binding and subsequent damage-prone removal processes. This mechanical substitution resolves the contradiction by achieving specific cell capture without the harmful effects of antibody-based methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the selection parameter from biological (antigen expression detected by antibodies) to physical (cell size measured by the cellular filter). By using size as the selection criterion instead of antigen presence, the system can capture both expressing and non-expressing cells based on their physical dimensions, avoiding cell damage while maintaining identification precision.
2Productivity
If flow cytometry is used for cell identification and sorting, then cells can be identified and sorted simultaneously, but multiple analyses of the same cell are not allowed and arbitrary cell subpopulation sorting is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cell analysis process into distinct stages: capture, observation, and retrieval. The cellular filter captures cells based on size, allows detailed observation of captured cells, and enables selective retrieval for downstream analysis. This segmentation allows multiple analyses of the same cell at different stages, resolving the contradiction between sorting speed and multiple analysis capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary holding system between identification and sorting. Captured cells are held in the filtration system where they can be observed and characterized, then selectively released for further analysis or sorted based on accumulated information. This intermediary stage enables arbitrary cell subpopulation sorting based on multiple parameters without sacrificing sorting efficiency.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If cellular filters are used to separate sample components based on size, then cell damage is minimized, but specific cell identification and isolation are not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cellular filter with integrated observation and analysis capabilities. The filtration system is combined with imaging and detection systems that allow specific cell identification while cells are being filtered. This merging enables both size-based separation (minimizing damage) and specific cell identification to occur simultaneously in a single integrated system, resolving the contradiction between these two functions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves efficient and viable capture and analysis of cells, including circulating tumor cells, without cell damage, and enables enhanced purification and multiplexing of biomarkers, supporting personalized medicine and high-fidelity cellular sorting.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet for separation
Implementation Method 2
a heater for temperature control
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for capturing and analyzing cells comprising: a fluid delivery module; a reservoir configured to receive a biological sample including a target cell population and at least one fluid from the fluid delivery module; a manifold configured to receive and distribute the biological sample and at least one fluid from the reservoir into a cell capture device; a waste chamber configured to couple to the manifold; and a pump configured to couple to the waste chamber. In embodiments of the system configured to promote further purification of captured cells, the system can further comprise a magnet that enables further separation of captured cells from undesired sample materials. The system can additionally further comprise a heater configured to heat at least one fluid and/or biological sample, and a cell capture device configured to couple to the manifold, in order to facilitate capture of the target cell population.